1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 (134 HP) has 21 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 285 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Sharan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Sharan. (170 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Sharan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 2005 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 230 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2298 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 113 HP |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.5 seconds | 15.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
